THE Tyneside Cinema has kicked off a new era in its illustrious history with a further six-figure funding boost.
The iconic national treasure in Newcastle city centre has received a further investment of £545,000 in National Lottery grants from the British Film Institute (BFI) and The National Lottery Heritage Fund to further secure its future, supporting a new exhilarating programme that will see The Tyneside taking independent cinema out of the venue and curating a programme of film, music and food in unique outdoor settings celebrating our unique landscapes and heritage. This funding will also support capital works to improve the Tyneside’s carbon footprint, making this vital heritage asset more sustainable.
News of the major investment was announced last night at a special ‘thank you’ event for the Tyneside Cinema’s supporters which featured guest appearances from the likes of Leaving Las Vegas and Stormy Monday director Mike Figgis, musician Liam Fender, North East Mayor Kim McGuinnes and Newcastle City Council leader Nick Kemp as well as a specially commissioned film about the cinema with contributions ranging from film fans to Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle.
It comes just weeks after Tyneside Cinema – known to many simply as ‘the Tyneside’ – revealed that it had secured a £700,000 loan from the North East Social Investment Fund, managed by Northstar Ventures, to fund a major turnaround plan for the Grade II listed venue.
The cinema had been threatened with closure in 2023 after a combination of a post-Covid slump in audiences, significant rise in the cost of living and soaring energy bills.
Supporters of the Tyneside raised over £100,000 to keep the venue going with many of those who took part attending last night’s event.
Nic Greenan, chief executive officer at the Tyneside, said: “This was fantastic news to share with our friends and loyal supporters last night and the perfect way to kick off what will be a truly exciting new era for the Tyneside.
“We are hugely grateful to the BFI and to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this amazing backing which will make a major difference to what we can offer to the people of the North East and to the running and upkeep of what is the last surviving newsreel theatre in the UK.
“Securing funding like this is a real game-changer and means that we can face the future not just with confidence but with optimism and anticipation.
“We have a fabulous programme of films, events, comedy and activities lined up over the coming months, which we previewed last night, and we cannot wait to get started!”
Ben Luxford, Director of UK Audiences at BFI, said: “Tyneside Cinema is a vital cultural hub for the local area, and we were keen to support the cinema’s long term ambitions to grow their audiences.
“Their plans to utilise the funding to ensure the venue and its programme will connect with as many people in the region as possible, reaching far beyond their existing and loyal audiences, chimes with our fund priorities and we hope the benefits will be felt by those across the North East”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are delighted to support the Tyneside with this important resilience project.
“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this award will help the team to strengthen their offering, build relationships with new and existing audiences, and ensure there is a long and sustainable future for the unique and special heritage cinema.”
The Tyneside’s forthcoming programme – revealed at the VIP event last night – combines a galaxy of stars with a commitment to the community and to reflecting real life in the region.
Some of the highlights coming up over the next few months include:
- A celebration of illustrious North East talent in film, including Tyneside Cinema patron Andrea Riseborough, filmmakers Ridley and Tony Scott and many more; as well as other vital figures in North East art and culture, from big name musicians to Newcastle United Women’s Football Club. The cinema will be welcoming a host of special guests and famous names to the Tyneside as part of this programme over the next year.
- A plan to reunite Sting and director Mike Figgis for a very special screening of Tyneside-set movie Stormy Monday, which starred the singer and former Police frontman
- A film and live music fusion season via a link-up with Generator which will see performances and guest appearances from the likes of Maximo Park, Kneecap and Utah Saints
- I, Daniel Blake director Ken Loach, writer Paul Laverty, and their collaborators offering unique insights into the landmark North East Trilogy
- A special collaboration with Northern Pride featuring the UK Premiere of the compelling new queer drama Turtles, followed by a Q&A with well-known Geordie actor Dave Johns
- Free outdoor screenings of films in community locations across the region
- The monthly Screen One Comedy Club, interactive live performance screenings and a host of family-friendly activities for Northern Pride, Halloween and Christmas
In addition to these attractions, the Tyneside is extending its work in the community and helping to nurture the next generation of screen talent.
It will launch of a Screenwriter in Residence programme in partnership with New Writing North.
Nic Greenan said: “The Tyneside Cinema has been a part of people’s lives in Newcastle and the North East for almost 90 years, but in many respects I think we are just getting started.
“There is so much potential in this place, in the people who make it what it is and in communities across the city and the region to become a real cultural and creative powerhouse.
“We hope that we can play our part in this and we want as many people as possible to come and join us.”
Further details on all the Tyneside’s activities can be found online at www.tynesidecinema.co.uk or by calling in to the venue on Pilgrim Street in Newcastle.